Nepal’s former Chief Justice, Sushila Karki, is expected to be appointed as interim prime minister, according to a source familiar with the discussions, following the resignation of K.P. Sharma Oli amid widespread anti-corruption protests. The protests, triggered by a social media ban that has since been lifted, led to the nation’s worst unrest in years, leaving 34 dead and over 1,300 injured as police clashed with demonstrators. The violence eased after Oli stepped down.

A constitutional expert involved in consultations with President Ramchandra Paudel and army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the talks, confirmed Karki’s likely appointment. “They (Gen Z protesters) want her. This will happen today,” the source said, referring to the young protesters whose nickname reflects the majority age of participants.

Karki’s appointment is expected to be formally announced after a scheduled meeting at President Paudel’s residence at 9 a.m. local time (11:15 a.m. Singapore time), according to a source involved in the negotiations. Requests for comment from the president’s office and the army were not immediately answered.

Situated between India and China, Nepal has faced political and economic instability since abolishing its monarchy in 2008. Limited job opportunities drive many Nepalis to work abroad and send remittances home. Signs of normalcy began returning to Kathmandu on Friday, with shops reopening, traffic on the streets, and police now carrying batons instead of firearms. Some roads remained blocked, and soldiers continued patrolling, though in smaller numbers than during the height of the unrest.